Robbie Williams will not perform at the European Music Awards on Thursday

Robbie Williams has defended his decision to pull out of the European Music Awards in Germany this week. The four minute performance was a potentially massive comeback gig for the former Take That star. The reason initially cited for the singer’s withdrawal from the show was “scheduling conflicts” but Robbie’s management have made a statement to set the record straight on the real cause of the no-show.  

In a statement released at the end of last week Robbie’s people claim that they were forced to pull out of the prestigious awards ceremony after spending cutbacks at MTV meant Robbie’s set design, including elaborate staging for his performance was being forced to scale down.

The official word from Robbie’s camp is, “The truth is MTV and the European Music Awards are victims of big budget cuts and Robbie’s performance was being compromised so it was decided he wouldn’t play.” The Rock DJ singer’s management also implied that Eminem is said to be on the brink of walking out of the show for the same reason.

The decision to walk-away from the show was made just a week before the event. MTV insiders have told a tabloid paper that the move has cost them a lot of money and are now having to work frantically to get another big name in to take over the slot. MTV Say “We tried to be accommodating but they walked away with a week to go. It’s caused mayhem.”

As yet, no announcement has been made for a replacement for Robbie at Thursday’s awards ceremony at Berlin’s O2 Venue.